Lindsey and her children pick up boxes of food items through the Summer Harvest Food Box program.

Lindsey, a mother of four, has lived in rural Georgia since she was 16. Originally from West Virginia, she has faced many challenges, but her story is one of resilience and determination.

With four children of her own, Lindsey’s family grew even larger when her sister and her kids moved in, resulting in a household of 13 children and four adults. “It’s hard,” she admits. “Even with the help of food stamps, it’s still not enough.” Despite the financial strain, she remains positive and grateful for the support she has received.

Recently, Lindsey and her two youngest children visited Screven County Elementary School during a Summer Harvest Food Box distribution. This program supports families with nutritious food during the summer months when children are not receiving school meals.

As staff and volunteers loaded her car with family-friendly items—including boxes of chicken, ground turkey, beef, milk, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, and jelly—her face lit up with a grateful smile. “This helps us out a whole bunch,” Lindsey shared. “It gets us through the rest of the month until we get our EBT.”

Lindsey’s story is a reminder of the challenges faced by families in rural communities and the importance of programs that provide access to nutritious food. With 1 in 4 kids in our area facing hunger and school back in session, our BackPack and School Market programs are now in full swing.

We are so grateful to our donors, volunteers, staff, and partners who ensure that children have the food they need to learn and grow, no matter the season. Thanks to you, we continue to light a path of hope and encouragement for thousands of families like Lindsey’s.